Here is everything you need to know about ripe bananas for constipation. Find out when to eat them, who should avoid them, and if they actually help reduce constipation. I have always loved eating bananas even as a child, up until now, it’s one of my go-to fruits, I think of it as my happy fruit, and here’s why.
Bananas are rich in magnesium which helps relieve stress by increasing the happy hormone called serotonin and the sleep hormone called melatonin. It also reduces the stress hormone called cortisol but what does this have to do with constipation?
Well, stress sometimes causes constipation, and magnesium relaxes your bowels and draws water into your colon. When there is enough water in the colon it gives your stool bulk and makes it easier to pass. Magnesium is also a kind of laxative so let’s move on to potassium!
Ripe Bananas For Constipation
So bananas contain potassium which helps strengthen the colon walls so that it contracts better and poop moves through easily. Now here is the good part, ripe bananas contain something else called sorbitol, this is a form of sugar alcohol that has a laxative effect on the colon!
Sorbitol also does a lot more than draw water into the colon, similar to potassium, it stimulates muscle contractions and bowel movements as well. Although less harmful than over-the-counter laxatives, eating too many sorbitol-rich fruits can lead to unwanted side effects.
Lastly, bananas contain dietary fiber which helps speed up the movement of food through the colon, improves digestion, gives your stool bulk, and prevents constipation. Just 1 large banana contains 3.7 grams of dietary fiber, try this banana smoothie recipe for constipation!
Are Ripe Bananas Good For Constipation?
Yes! Ripe bananas are great for constipation because they are rich in fruit alcohol, magnesium, potassium, and dietary fiber. Drinking a glass of ripe banana smoothie early in the morning can help you visit the bathroom within hours. Make sure your bananas are extra ripe and you have yourself an old fashion constipation remedy.
Best Time To Eat Bananas For Constipation
The best time to eat bananas for constipation is early in the morning because that’s when the colon is most active. It’s better to eat your bananas or drink a banana smoothie as soon as you wake up because the colon contracts 3x stronger about 30 minutes after waking up from sleep.
Which Type Of Banana Is Good For Constipation
A very ripe banana is the best type of banana to eat if you suffer from constipation. You definitely want to stay away from green, half-ripe, or semi-ripe bananas because they contain more resistant starch which can lead to hardened stools. Make sure your bananas are very ripe before eating them.
When Should You Not Eat Bananas?
It is recommended that you should avoid eating bananas at night because they take longer to digest and may lead to mucus production in the throat. Although there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, it’s better to consume high-starch foods during the day when the metabolism is most active.
How Many Bananas Should You Eat For Constipation?
It is safe to eat up to 3 large ripe bananas per day to reduce constipation and stimulate a bowel movement. I like making banana smoothies whenever I am constipated. My favorite banana smoothie recipe consists of 1/2 cup of almond milk, 2 large very ripe bananas, 1 cup of mango, and 1 cup of papaya.
Why You Are Constipated After Eating Bananas?
Ripe bananas do not cause constipation because the riper the banana, the more sorbitol it contains. However, if the banana is not completely ripe, it can lead to constipation. Why? Because unripe bananas have high amounts of resistant starch which help treat diarrhea and loose stools, therefore, may make constipation worse in some people.
If you experience constipation even after eating only ripe bananas, then you may want to remove it from your diet altogether.
Side Effects Of Eating Ripe Bananas
Eating a lot of ripe bananas can lead to bloating, gas, and diarrhea due to sorbitol found in ripe bananas which is a sugar alcohol that has a laxative effect on the colon. Also, as mentioned above, bananas contain potassium so eating too much of it can lead to high levels of potassium in the blood.
People on magnesium and potassium supplements should also be careful when consuming bananas. Some people also experience stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting from eating too many ripe bananas. Food is medicine, and eating too much of anything can lead to side effects. Bananas are no different.
Conclusion
If you suffer from constipation, eat ripe bananas, if you suffer from diarrhea or loose stools, eat unripe bananas. Ripe bananas, high-fiber fruits, and vegetables do help you poop, and adding them to your diet is a great way to get vitamins, and minerals and reduce constipation symptoms naturally!